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Dodgers Weigh Lineup Shift as Ohtani Continues Cautious Return to the Mound

After two scoreless one-inning starts, manager Dave Roberts plans to move Shohei Ohtani down in the batting order on pitching days to manage his two-way workload.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 20: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers talks during the game against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on June 20, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • In his first two appearances since Tommy John surgery, Ohtani has thrown one scoreless inning each, totaling 18 pitches and recording two strikeouts in his latest outing against Washington.
  • Los Angeles is adhering to a gradual build-up plan with Ohtani limited to one inning per start and no set timetable for expanding his pitch count.
  • Roberts indicated he may shift Ohtani out of the leadoff spot on days he pitches to ease the transition between pitching and hitting.
  • Since resuming pitching activities, Ohtani has not attempted a stolen base after swiping 11 bags earlier this season, reflecting a change in his offensive profile.
  • With core starters sidelined and a taxed bullpen, the Dodgers have explored adding relief help, including reported interest in flamethrower Ryan Helsley.